As we continue to navigate a complex time for many communities, I want to acknowledge the strength and the commitment to open dialogue and the relationships we build across all sectors.
Our collective efforts to support communities, address racism and strengthening social cohesion is the work that requires and involves all of us. I am deeply grateful.
For our part, in the past weeks, we have met with the Special Envoys to Combat Antisemitism and Islamophobia, and the Multifaith Advisory Group has met with the Department of Home Affairs and shared their views on the development of a whole-of-society Social Cohesion Engagement Framework (Framework). This Framework is a national initiative that aims to bring together community, government, business, and civil society to build shared understanding and coordinated action.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Victorian Multicultural Review, led by George Lekakis AO. Your participation—through written submissions, consultation sessions, and community conversations I am sure will be value for what George and his Committee undertakes. Due to strong demand, an additional and final online consultation will be held on Tuesday 10 June 2025 at 1.30pm AEST. If you haven’t had the chance to share your views, I strongly encourage you to take part. Register via Eventbrite.
Following the announcement of the new federal Cabinet, we’ve had a meeting with the Minister for Multicultural Affairs the Hon Dr Anne Aly MP and have commenced dialogue with her office on opportunities for collaboration, in the areas of anti-racism, social cohesion, and community engagement, ensuring multicultural communities remain central to national policymaking.
Across all this work – federally and locally – the VMC continues to actively engage and connect with organisations, departments, and community leaders to co-design responses that strengthen social cohesion.
Thank you, as always, for your commitment to this work and to the wellbeing of our diverse communities.
Viv Nguyen, Chairperson, Victorian Multicultural Commission
News and Events
VIC | GOV | HEARING | Your say: Victoria's Multicultural Review | Final Chance Tuesday 10 June 2025 | 1.30pm-3pm
The Victorian Multicultural Commission encourages you to take part in a community consultation as part of the Victorian Government’s Multicultural Review.
The Review is a great opportunity for you to provide valuable input to help strengthen social cohesion, combat discrimination and ensure multicultural policies reflect the needs of all Victorians.
- For more information and to find a consultation session near you
- Read the related Premier’s media release
- Where: The final session will be held online.
- Bookings: online via Eventbrite
VIC | VMC | SCREENING | Multicultural Film Festival 2025 | Thursday 19 June 2025 | 7-10pm
We’re delighted to be partnering with the Swinburne University of Technology for the 2025 Multicultural Film Festival (MFF) – an annual celebration of diversity and multiculturalism through compelling short films that spark conversation and connection.
Join us for the premiere screening and awards ceremony during Refugee Week. We hope to see you there to celebrate global cinema with a special focus on Victorian filmmaking.
- Where: ACMI Cinemas, Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia
- Cost: Full $15, Concession $10 + booking fee
- Considerations: Limited tickets available — includes a drink and popcorn!
- Bookings: Public sales available online via Humanitix
VIC | GOV | OFFERING | Free Flu Vaccines Now Available Across Victoria
The Victorian Government is providing free flu vaccines to help protect communities from serious illness this flu season.
Influenza is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with underlying health conditions.
Free flu vaccines are available for:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (6 months and over)
- Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
- Pregnant women
- Adults aged 65 and over
- People with eligible medical conditions
If you’re not eligible for a free vaccine, it can still be purchased from your GP or pharmacy.
Talk to your health professional or visit health.gov.au
AUST | GOV | RAISING | Scam Awareness in 22 languages
Scams targeting people from non-English speaking backgrounds remain a serious concern. In the last year alone, CALD communities in Australia lost $38.8 million to scams.
To help protect all Australians, Scamwatch has developed free information and resources in 22 languages, empowering people to recognise and report scams using three simple steps: Stop. Check. Protect.
Need help reporting a scam in your language?
Call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450 and ask to speak to Scamwatch.
MELB | SFRI | GATHERING | for Australian Social Cohesion Summit | Thursday 16 October 2025 | 8.30am-5pm
Join the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute (SFRI) in Melbourne for the inaugural Australian Social Cohesion Summit.
With the theme "Building On Our Strengths: The Role of Youth, Women, and Neighbourhoods in Fostering Social Cohesion," this national event will bring together 200 leaders and changemakers from across Australia, including government, academia, industry, and community sectors.
- Where: Monash College City Campus
- Considerations: Capacity is limited – early registration is essential.
- Cost: Varies
- Bookings: For more information and to register
VIC | GOV | SEEKING | Members for Board Recruitment Opportunities
The Department of Justice and Community Safety is recruiting for the following Victorian Government boards. These positions offer an opportunity to contribute to independent oversight and strategic guidance on key justice-related matters.
- Sentencing Advisory Council | applications close 11.59pm Tuesday 10 June 2025
- Police Registration and Services Board | applications close 11.59pm Monday 2 June 2025
MELB | SICV | GATHERING | Guru Nanak’s Legacy at Federation Square | Sunday 1 June 2025 | 10.30am-4pm
Join the Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria (SICV) and the Sikh Community of Victoria for a free community event celebrating the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji – promoting peace, compassion and forgiveness.
This special event brings together communities to honour shared values and foster connection through reflection, culture and unity.
- Where: Federation Square, Melbourne
- Learn more
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The VMC acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Victoria and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.